Cuisine to boost Thailand tourism

Thai food and seasonal fruits are in fashion and are two compelling reasons that drive the country’s tourism appeal especially for Asian visitors. That was the opinion of Thailand Chamber of Commerce vice president, Kalin Sarasin, who addressed Association of Thai Travel Agents. Thailand’s famous spicy food has inspired international chefs for decades, as seen by the popularity of Thai restaurants, worldwide and there is also a strong interest in joining Thai cooking classes when visiting the country. Now Thai fruits are gaining recognition as more Chinese and Southeast Asia travelers visit the country.

Kalin who heads a chamber project known as ‘Amazing Thai Taste Project’ said: “Our campaign promotes food and seasonal fruits with distinctive themes each quarter, we aim to establish Thai food, fruit and rice as the country’s premium products and raise awareness in regional and global markets, tour and hotel operators should pass on this information to travellers.” He said that for the second quarter of this year, the campaign highlights Pad Thai and Tom Yam Kung (shrimp spicy soup) including durian, rambutan, mangosteen, longkong (southern langsat), sala, lychee and santol. In quarter three, it highlights green curry, papaya salad, durian, rambutan, mangosteen, longan, longkong and pomelo. Food and fruit to be promoted in quarter four include Massaman curry, Tom Kha Kai (coconut milk soup with chicken), papaya, pineapple and bananas. – ttrweekly.com

Hua Hin Today is a monthly, principally English language newspaper, published in Hua Hin, Thailand. The paper was established in 2003. The paper is distributed throughout the Provinces of Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan with a focus on the towns of Hua Hin, Cha-Am and Pranburi. It is the only English language newspaper in this region.